An Analysis of Spatial Structure Changes in Regional Economy of Anhui Province

With 17 cities of Anhui Province as the research object, based on the data of the years 2000, 2004, 2008, this paper analyzes the spatial changes of regional economic disparities of Anhui Province since 2000 by means of factor analysis and cluster analysis. The research shows that the central and eastern regions of Anhui Province, that is, Hefei City and the Ma'anshan-Wuhu-Tongling area, has remained a stable core of the provincial economy, followed in turn by the southern regions, northern regions and the northeast and northwest of the province. There has been no evident change in the spatial structure of economy in the first and second rate cities, while the third and fourth rate cities have seen relatively great change. Differences in the economy of the province have been reduced at first and then expanded. Uneven development is found along the river and the railway. Economic strength is relatively weak around the capital city, preventing the economic radiation of the city.